KSRTC’s initiative for visually challenged passengers wins national award

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been honored with the National Excellence Award in Urban Transport – 2025 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

According to a statement made by KSRTC, the award recognizes Karnataka as the state that implemented the best urban transport projects last year.

KSRTC’s Dhwani Spandana project, the first of its kind for visually impaired passengers, received this honor for its work in creating an inclusive and accessible public transport system.

The award was presented to KSRTC Director General Akram Pasha by Union Minister of Energy, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar at a ceremony held in Gurugram, Haryana on Sunday, the statement said.

“The Onboard Bus Identification and Navigation System, developed by Elevated Lines Foundation at IIT Delhi as knowledge partner with GIZ, has been implemented in 200 Mysuru city buses. The technology uses auxiliary audio signals to help visually impaired passengers detect approaching buses and locate entry points safely,” said a KSRTC official.

“More than 400 visually impaired passengers have been trained to use the system, which has significantly increased their mobility, confidence and safety when traveling independently on public transport,” the official added.